• Overview
• Women's & Girls' Empowerment
• Youth Lifeskills & Education
• Human Rights
• Civic Participation & Governance
• Health

Education is the very foundation of human development and personal empowerment. An essential thread of social cohesion, a good education and firm belief in one’s power to effect change can overcome poverty and inequity. However, hundreds of millions of young people around the world do not complete primary school and many more suffer in poor learning environments with little support or encouragement from elders. Without basic life-skills training, or information on livelihood opportunities, sexual and reproductive health and how to navigate the difficult years between adolescence to adulthood, many young people struggle to improve their lives.

Equal Access is Changing this Story

In Nepal, over 50 percent of the population of 27 million is under 25 years of age. Until Equal Access’ flagship radio program “Chatting with My Best Friend” began broadcasting life skills and livelihoods messages in 2001, many had no place to turn for this crucial information. Now more than eight million young people tune in to the hour-long youth radio show featuring drama, songs and light-hearted banter between young hosts on everything from HIV/AIDS prevention, life skills and livelihoods training, to dating and difficult life decisions. Over 1200 youth clubs across the country meet to take action on what they learn. The show receives over 1400 letters and e-mails each month and thousands of SMS feedback responses. With regional and national youth publications, Chatting... is the heartbeat of Nepali youth and their trusted best friend.

Similarly, in Cambodia nealry half of the country's population of 14 million are under the age of 18. With so many young Cambodians eager for the opportunity to improve their lives and understand the recovery process in their country, our new youth media show "We Can Do It!"  has captured the imagination and loyal listenership of millions of young people within its first year of broadcast. We Can Do It!  teaches essential lifeskills, health and civic participation. Hundreds of self-formed youth clubs participate and "We Can Do it!" also receives letters and SMS feedback . 

With a reach of 40 million listeners in Asia, and millions more across the Sahel, Equal Access provides education where it is needed most through media–based teacher training, early childhood development programming for parents and teachers and children, and non-formal life-skills and livelihoods training for young people age 14-30.

In Chad and Niger, new youth radio and community outreach programs on lifeskills and livelihoods are launching this year.

Success Stories